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Amelia Island, a 45-minute drive south from Jacksonville, Florida, offers visitors 13 miles of exceptional beaches and a wide variety of outdoor activities to choose from, including golf, biking, tennis, horseback riding, fishing and boating. Amelia Island is the highest ranked island destination in Florida, according to Conde Nast Traveler's 2009 Readers Choice Awards. Situated directly on the Atlantic coast, this barrier island is an excellent embarkation point for an area cruise.

Amelia River Cruises &amp; Charters

Amelia River Cruises & Charters offers narrated, historic and wildlife cruises on the waterways of Northeast Florida and Coastal Georgia. Sightseers will observe wild horses on Cumberland Island, as well as dolphins, sea turtles, manatees and seabirds. All cruises are hosted by regional history and nature experts. One- to two-hour cruises depart year-round from the Fernandina Harbor Marina in downtown Fernandina Beach, with adult ticket prices starting at $20 (as of February 2010). Children under 3 years old ride free. Reservations are recommended but not required. Climb aboard, rain or shine, and see Amelia Island from the Intracoastal Waterway--a totally different perspective.

Amelia River Cruises & Charters

1 North Front St.

Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

904-261-9972

ameliarivercruises.com

On the Water Adventures

If you're looking for a more private guided waterway experience during your trip to Amelia Island, look no further than On the Water Adventures at Egan's Creek Marina in Fernandina Harbor. Enjoy your own private boat, the Shady Lady, that will take you on an unforgettable water adventure to see the best wildlife locations on Amelia and Cumberland Islands. You'll see everything from elegant waterfront mansions to fascinating forests and even possibly a submarine. Two-hour, half-day and full-day trips depart at your convenience on a 26-foot boat. Dogs ride free.

On the Water Adventures

Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

904-206-1762

onthewateradventures.com

Private Island Excursions

Take a step back in time with Private Island Excursions on board the 84-foot Bloxom, built in 1901. Choose from a four-hour sunset cruise on St. Mary's River, including a surf-and-turf supper (BYOB), an all-day adventure including lunch, or an exciting overnight journey including breakfast if you desire a longer exploration of Amelia Island's remote natural environment. Guided kayak tours also are available.

Private Island Excursions

904-206-3222

privateislandexcursions.com

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About the Author

Stacy Moran has been a professional writer, editor and communications consultant for more than 20 years, serving clients in many different industries. Moran holds a bachelor's degree in English. She graduated with magna cum laude honors from Tufts University.

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